Here’s the thing—life’s just better in flip flops. And if that’s true for everyday life, it’s doubly true for travel. Slow travel isn’t just about taking your time; it’s about embracing the unplanned, savoring the unexpected, and letting yourself fully sink into a place. So, kick off those stiff sneakers, slide into your comfiest flip flops, and let’s talk about how to travel right.
1. Forget the Checklist, Follow the Breeze
Travel isn’t a scavenger hunt. Rushing from monument to monument, ticking off landmarks like you’re speedrunning a video game? That’s the opposite of the flip flop life. Instead, give yourself permission to wander. Stumble upon a hidden beach. Follow the scent of something delicious to a tucked-away street café. Find joy in the moments that don’t make it to Instagram.
Need inspiration for wander-worthy destinations? Check out Lonely Planet’s guide to slow travel.
2. Pick a Place That Embraces the Chill
Some places naturally run on flip flop time—coastal towns, islands, anywhere with hammocks strung between palm trees. But even in a big, bustling city, you can carve out your own oasis. Stay in a neighborhood instead of the tourist district. Find a park bench and watch the world go by. Seek out the kind of places where locals sip coffee for hours and nobody is in a rush to be anywhere but here.
Looking for the perfect chill destination? Explore Travel + Leisure’s list of the world’s most relaxing places.
3. Move Like You Belong
Forget taxis and tour buses. Walk when you can. Bike when you can’t. Take the tram, the train, the slowest boat you can find. Moving like a local means seeing a place through their eyes. Plus, strolling in flip flops gives you the perfect excuse to pause whenever something interesting catches your eye. Blisters? Never heard of ‘em.
Learn how to navigate like a local with Nomadic Matt’s guide to public transportation abroad.
4. Say Yes to Detours
The best adventures aren’t always planned. Maybe a local invites you to a backyard barbecue. Maybe you spot a sign for a sunset cruise leaving in five minutes. Maybe you just decide today is the perfect day to do absolutely nothing. Be open. Be flexible. Some of the best stories start with, “We weren’t planning on it, but…”
Discover how to embrace spontaneity with Adventure.com’s tips for unplanned travel.
5. Eat Where the Locals Eat
Forget the overpriced tourist traps with laminated menus in five languages. Find the tiny spot where the tables are full, the menu is handwritten, and the staff treats you like family (even if you have no idea what you just ordered). Food is culture, and the best meals are often the ones you stumble into by accident.
6. Stay a Little Longer
There’s something magical about becoming a regular, even if it’s just for a few days. Go to the same café twice, and they’ll start to remember your order. Walk the same streets, and you’ll notice new details each time. The longer you stay, the more a place starts to feel like home—flip flops and all.
7. Do Absolutely Nothing (And Enjoy It)
Not every moment of your trip needs to be action-packed. Sit on a beach and watch the waves roll in. Read a book under a tree. Spend an afternoon people-watching. The best parts of travel aren’t just about seeing new things, but about feeling at peace wherever you are.
8. Ditch the Itinerary, Keep the Spirit
Sure, have a few things you’d love to do. But don’t let your trip turn into a tightly wound schedule. Give yourself space to wake up and decide what feels right. Maybe that means a hike. Maybe that means a nap in a hammock. Either way, you’re doing it right.
Live the Flip Flop Life
Slow travel is about more than just moving at a relaxed pace—it’s about being present, saying yes to spontaneity, and letting each moment unfold naturally. So next time you pack your bags, remember: Life is better in flip flops. And travel? It’s best when you take it slow.
It’s time to Do Life Right!
Check out the best flip flop reviews, flip flop advice and flip flop philosophy on how to live a flip flop life!
